Driven to succeed at Ravin’s Auto Centre
The business is a member of the Retail Motor Industry (RMI), as well as Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), and is an approved facilitator for merSETA.
Two decades down the road and Ravin’s Auto Centre in Marburg has prospered because of hard work and perseverance.
The owner, Ravin Ranjit’s, vision and drive to open a workshop has not only been realised but the company has grown exponentially due to his customer-centric approach.
Ravin’s wife, Mala, who joined in 2013 on the administrative side after 19 years in the teaching profession, said he started in the industry straight after matric.
“He joined Bates GM in 1989 and, after a few months was taken on as an apprentice. Ravin soon qualified as a mechanic. He worked there from 1989 to 2003 and left as the workshop manager.”
Ravin opened his workshop next to City Tyres in Industrial Road in February 2004. “It was a small space which could fit eight vehicles at a squeeze and they could only work on two vehicles at a time. Two staff members were employed.”
From the outset, Ravin’s Auto Centre was a member of the Retail Motor Industry.
Some five years later, the company moved to a bigger workshop a few doors away. Two hoists were acquired and more staff hired.
Also, the first apprentice was signed on with hands-on training provided by Ravin.
In 2017, the company purchased its own premises. After renovations and upgrades, it opened its doors at 9 Brauteseth Road, Marburg on June 1, 2019.
More equipment was added and the staff complement increased to 15 (workshop and car wash) which includes three qualified mechanics and two apprentices, soon to be three.
A former employee was the first on the South Coast to complete his trade test at the Esayidi TVET College, when it started offering the course, and to qualify as a mechanic while working at Ravin’s. He was head-hunted by several dealerships.
While there have been many challenges along the way, the company has remained steadfast with its strong leader, Ravin, at the helm.
“From small beginnings 20 years ago, Ravin has not changed at all. His customers, especially the person on the street, is the backbone of the business. To this day, his customers from Bizana continue to support him. He is at work at 06:00 as many leave early and travel long distances, and he doesn’t want to keep them waiting,” said Mala.
Affiliations
Ravin’s Auto Centre is a member of the Retail Motor Industry (RMI), as well as Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), and is an approved facilitator for merSETA.
The centre is also a member of the Port Shepstone Business Forum.
Company strategy
Ravin’s Auto Centre’s ultimate purpose is to be a leader in the local motor industry, to provide quality services at a reasonable rate.
Its mission is to pursue business through innovation and advanced technology.
Among its core values, Ravin’s integrates honesty, integrity and ethics into all aspects of the business.
The goal is to build an excellent reputation in the field of vehicle maintenance and to become a key player in the industry.
Services offered
The expert team at Ravin’s Auto Centre prides themselves on providing quality service and repairs on a wide range of vehicles.
The centre is RMI accredited and MIWA approved, which means it meets and exceeds all requirements for a professional automotive workshop and vehicle repair centre.
Services offered: Diagnostics, repairs and maintenance of motor vehicles and light trucks, including fleet and government vehicles. Batteries and tyres are sold. Wheel alignment and balancing/repairs of tyres are also offered.
Partnerships
Ravin’s Auto Centre is a service provider to Standard Bank Fleet Management (both government and private business), Wesbank Fleet Services, ABSA Vehicle Management and Nedfleet, as well as several insurance companies: The Innovation Group, Motorite, Motorvaps, Hollard, Insure Africa, Dial Direct, Outsurance, Auto & General, to name a few.
Customers also include several local and national companies that rely on it to maintain their fleets.
From the old to the new
Ravin’s Auto Centre is a service provider to Standard Bank Fleet Management (both government and private business), Wesbank Fleet Services, ABSA Vehicle Management and Nedfleet, as well as several insurance companies: The Innovation Group, Motorite, Motorvaps, Hollard, Insure Africa, Dial Direct, Outsurance, Auto & General, to name a few.
Customers also include several local and national companies that rely on it to maintain their fleets.
Giving back
Ravin’s Auto Centre gives back to the community through various charities that it has adopted.
The company also maintains the fleets of charitable organisations at a much lower rate.
Visit Ravin’s Auto Centre at 9 Brauteseth Road, Marburg, Port Shepstone, call 039 685 5541 or for more information visit www.ravinsautocentre.co.za
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